The latter was recently coached by that renowned choreographer himself while Hubbard was on tour in Israel.

"I brought 'Tabula Rasa' back because I knew we were going to Israel, and it was a great opportunity to have Ohad look at it," Hubbard's artistic director Glenn Edgerton says. The scheduling was something of a last-minute shift, an indication that Edgerton, who took over Jim Vincent's post in August, already is making his mark.

Some changes are born of necessity. In January, associate artistic director Lucas Crandall will join two dancers who already have departed to work with Vincent at the Nederlands Dans Theater in The Hague. The good news is Crandall's replacement: Terence Marling, the sharp, charismatic dancer. Eager to choreograph on his own, Marling will unveil a new work this spring. Backstage, his accomplished technique and strong skills as a partner should prove a big asset. The only downside: He's taking a break for now from dancing, a farewell bow planned Sunday at the Harris.

But, despite the changes, Edgerton has managed to keep two of Hubbard's brightest stars: Marling and Cerrudo, the marvelous dancer who also is the troupe's resident choreographer.

"There are always departures, and I understand Lucas' desire to work in Europe," Edgerton says. "But I'm having a great time. I feel this is a perfect fit for me, working with the dancers closely, dancers I've come to know and admire. Everyone is very supportive, generous and enthusiastic about what's ahead."

He still is cagey about what choreographic works lie ahead..

As planned, Aszure Barton will create a piece this summer, and Cerrudo will be back with a new work this spring for Hubbard Street 2, which now has a new director, Taryn Kaschock Russell. Naharin, Nacho Duato and Jiri Kylian will stay in the mix, and a Mats Ek work may show up -- a great idea. But Edgerton is mindful of the need to develop young American talent too. "We need to develop choreographers in America who haven't been found yet, and I want to make sure Hubbard is an originator," he says.

The winter program also includes a revival of Johan Inger's comic "Walking Mad," set to Maurice Ravel's "Bolero."

Also worth catching

Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago continues its fall engagement of "The Sankofa Project" Friday through Sunday. The project includes the premiere of "Legend: A Tribute to Michael Jackson" by Amansu Eason, and the company premiere of "Bride From the South" by Abdel Salaam. Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S. Ingleside Ave.; contact 773-241-6080 or muntu.com

Shirley Mordine and Mordine & Co. Dance Theater are launching a new series of collaborative projects Friday through Sunday, teaming up with experimental jazz musician Doug Lofstrom and the New Quartet. Galaxie, 2603 W. Barry Ave.; contact 312-654-9540 or mordine.org